Filter-purifier cartridge

ABSTRACT

A filter-purifier cartridge having a purifier element which can be coupled to one end section of a tubular filter element, or can be adapted to retain filtering means within its hollow core, or be used separately; the purifier element with or without said filtering means, being manually separable from and joined to a top wall member disposed at one end section of said element, the cylinder of that purifier element which retains the filtering means within its hollow core can be adapted to function as the cartridge housing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a filter-purifier cartridge, and since itfinds particular utility in the field of water filtration andpurification, embodiments hereinafter described as illustrative of theinvention and the advantages thereof are understood to be not restrictedto such use.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of my invention is to provide a relatively inexpensivefilter-purifier cartridge with the optional use of a unitary purifierelement, or the use of a purifier element which can be emptied andrefilled with purifying medium by manual means. In addition, theoptional provision for manual separation and replacement of the filterelement.

Another object of my invention is to provide an optional unitaryfilter-purifier cartridge having a manually separable and manuallyjoined top wall member, the filtering means retained within the purifierelement.

Another object of my invention is to provide a filter-purifier cartridgehaving a self contained purifier element which can be manually separatedfrom and joined to a top wall member.

Still another object of my invention is to provide different top wallmembers and lower end closers to adapt the assembled filter-purifierelements to different housings.

Another object of my invention is to provide a filter-purifier cartridgehaving a manually separable and assembled top wall member in which thepurifier element can be made to function as the cartridge housing.

Embodiments of my invention capable of accomplishing the foregoingobjects and providing the advantages contemplated from them and otheradvantages will become more apparent after studying the detaileddescription of the following specification which may be readilyunderstood by reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation sectional view of the filter-purifiercartridge of my invention.

FIG. 2 is generally similar to FIG. 1 but shows a filter assembly withinthe upper end section of the purifier element. In addition the lowerfilter element is retained and spaced by different means.

FIG. 3 illustrates the purifier element coupled to an external filterelement.

FIG. 4 shows an assembled filter-purifier cartridge, the purifierelement functioning as the cartridge housing.

FIG. 5 shows the purifying medium confined between two permeable porousfilters.

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 10--10 of FIG.4.

FIG.11 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 11--11 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 shows a top wall member within which a foraminous member isretained.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Referring to FIG. 1 which is for illustrative purposes only, the numeral6 indicates the purifier element having purifying medium 7 containedwithin its hollow core by means of the foraminous cups 8. The skirt ofeach cup 8 has a sliding frictional fit with the internal wall of thepurifier element 6, the outer rim 9 of each cup resting against itsassociated internal shoulder of the purifier element 6 thereby limitingthe cup travel within said element. Each cup has optional tabs 10 tofacilitate manual removal of said cup. Bearing against the rim 9 of thelower perforated cup is washer 11 which is contiguous to one end wall ofthe tubular filter element 12. The closure 13 seals the exposed outerend of hollow filter core 14. The outer perimeter of filter element 12has a plurality of sinuous configurations so that a series ofcircumferentially disposed vertical passages 15 are formed when saidfilter element 12 is inserted into the lower end section of the purifierelement. Disposed at the upper end section of the purifier element isthe top wall member 16 which retains an "O" ring 17 within a groove toprevent leakage of fluid between the sidewalls of said top wall memberand the purifier element. The ring gasket 18 is disposed on top wall 16and surrounds the discharge passage 19 of the assembled cartridge, saidgaskket being preferably but not necessarily positioned by means of thering projection 20. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art thatthe lower foraminous inverted cup 8 can have a loose sliding fit withinthe purifier element, and that a frictional fit of washer 11 or filter12 within said purifier element will still contain the purifying medium7 within said purifier element.

In operation the filter-purifier cartridge as shown is subjected toaxial compression after the cartridge is inserted in its housing. Thecartridge housing is not part of my invention and is not illustrated. Itwill be evident that, while the filter housing is not shown, one skilledin the art can easily adapt the illustrated cartridge to a hollowcylindrical housing having axially aligned inlet and outlet passages.One skilled in the art will also note that embodiments of the cartridgeas shown are adapted to a common type of housing which is screwed onto adouble ported end section containing an "O" ring to seal the single openend of said housing. In addition, the double ported end section of thecartridge housing assembly can be modified so that the top wall membercan be an integral part of said double ported end section. Furthermore,the lower end section wall of the purifier element can be extendedsufficiently beyond the filter element 12 so that a stepped end closercan be used in place of closure 13, said stepped closer sealing thelower end of filter core 14 and permitting ingress of fluid to saidfilter element.

With the filter-purifier cartridge assembled as illustrated, fluid to befiltered and purified flows radially through the permeable porous filter12 via passages 15 and enters the hollow core 14 of said filter. Thefluid then flows through the aperture of washer 11 and enters collectorchamber 21 of the lower perforated inverted cup. The fluid continues toflow through the perforations of said lower cup and through the hollowcore of purifier element 6 wherein the purifying medium 7 is contained.The fluid then enters collector chamber 22 via the perforations 5 inupper cup 8. The fluid then exits through the discharge passage 19, saiddischarge passage communicating with the discharge passage of thecartridge housing. The ring gasket 18 surrounding the cartridgedischarge passage and the cartridge housing discharge port preventsunprocessed fluid from discharging through said cartridge housingdischarge passage.

FIG. 2 is generally like that of FIG. 1 but shows another means forspacing and retaining the filter within the lower end section of thepurifier element. In addition, a permeable porous filter is retained andspaced within the upper end section of the purifier element. Purifyingmedium 23 is contained within the hollow core of purifier element 24 bymeans of the upper perforated cup 25 and lower inverted perforated cup26, both cups having a preferable but not necessary sliding frictionalfit with the internal wall of said purifier element 24. The outer rim 27of cup 25 which rests against an internal shoulder within the purifierelement limits the travel of said cup within the purifier element. Anoptional pair of tabs 28 can be used to facilitate manual removal of theperforated cup 25. The lower inverted perforated cup 26 rests againstthe internal shoulder within the lower end section of the purifierelement. The filter element 29 is retained and spaced within the lowerend section of the purifier element by means of a series of projections30 which are integral with the washer 31 and emanate from the outer endof said washer; the projections 30 having a preferable slidingfrictional fit within the lower end section of said purifier element. Itwill be evident that filter 29 and washer 31 can be removed, invertedand reinserted so that washer 31 rests against cup 26. The passages 32permit the entry of fluid around the outer circumference of filterelement 29. The optional filter element 33 within the upper end sectionof the purifier element has a series of sinuous configurations aroundits outer circumference to form vertical passages 34 and rests againstadapter 35 which in turn bears against rim 27, of the upper perforatedcup 25. The adapter 35 has a series of passages 36 which communicatewith a series of recesses 37 within the upper surface of said adapter,said recesses communicating with passages 34 via annular channel 47which is located around the section of the adapter having said recesses37. The manually separable top wall member 38 which rests against thefilter element 33 has an "O" ring 39 retained within a groove in itsouter circumference. The "O" ring 39 prevents leakage of fluid betweenthe outer wall of the inserted top wall section and the internal wall ofthe upper end section of the purifier element. The concentric dischargepassage 40 of top wall member 38 communicates with the hollow core 41 offilter element 33. A ring gasket 42 is disposed on the top wall 38 andsurrounds the discharge passage 40. The ring gasket 42 can be kept inposition by means of ring projection 43 as shown, by use of adhesive orother suitable means. An optional groove 44 can be used to retain theoptional "0" ring 45 which also surrounds the discharge passage 40. Aclosure which can be inserted in aperture 46 in washer 31 is not shown.

One skilled in the art will observe that the cartridge as illustrated isadapted for a common type housing which is screwed onto a double portedend section having a tubular protrusion surrounding the dischargepassage of the cartridge housing. The tubular protusion is inserted intothe cartridge discharge passage 40 so that "O" ring 45 encircles saidprotrusion thereby preventing leakage of fluid between the sidewalls ofsaid passage 40 and the tubular protrusion. The ring gasket 42 whichbears against the wall of the double ported section of the cartridgehousing can be obviated or can function as a second seal to preventunprocessed fluid from entering the cartridge housing discharge passage.In addition, the inside end section of the cartridge housing has atubular protrusion which is inserted into aperture 46. An "O" ringretained within the upper end section of the housing serves to preventleakage of fluid when said housing is screwed onto the double ported endsection. With the housing screwed onto the double ported end section,the internal end wall of said housing bears against washer 31 therebysealing aperture 46.

In operation the cartridge as shown is subjected to axial compressionafter said cartridge is inserted in its housing. Fluid to be filteredflows through the permeable porous wall of the tubular filter 29 viapassages 32 and enters the hollow core 50. Fluid then flows intocollector chamber 48 of the inverted cup 26 thence through theperforations of said cup 26 and enters the hollow core of purifierelement 24 containing purifying medium 23. The fluid flows through thecore of purifier element 24 and enters passages 36 of adapter 35 bymeans of perforations and collector chamber 49 in cup 25. The series ofrecesses 37 which communicate with their associated passages 36 permitfluid to enter vertical passages 34 by means of annular channel 47whence the fluid flows radially through the permeable porous filter 33to enter the hollow core 41 of said filter. The fluid then flows throughpassage 40 of the top wall member, said passage 40 communicating withthe discharge passage of the cartridge housing. It will be obvious toone skilled in the art that perforated cups 25 and 26 can be affixed tothe purifier element cylinder by use of adhesive, fusion, or othersuitable means to form a unitary purifier element.

FIG. 3 illustrates the purifier element 51 directly coupled to filterelement 52. Purifying medium 55 is contained within the hollow core ofthe purifier element by means of upper and lower foraminous cups 54. Theperforated cups have a preferably sliding friction fit with the internalwall of the purifier element making said purifier element selfcontained, as the purifying medium will not discharge from said elementwhen the filter 52 and washer 53 are removed. Each cup has tabs 56 tofacilitate manual removal. The upper end wall of filter 52 bears againstwasher 53 thereby preventing the flow of unfiltered fluid between saidwasher 53 and said filter end wall. The washer 53 rests against thelower internal shoulder of the purifier element, and can be affixed tosaid shoulder by adhesive or other suitable means. The extended hub ofsaid washer 53 is inserted into the upper end of filter core 58 and canbe used to maintain a spaced relationship between the wall of a filterhaving a relatively smaller diameter, and the internal wall of thepurifier element. The closure 57 bearing against the exposed end offilter 52 seals the exposed hollow core 58 of said filter. The top wallmember 61 retains an "O" ring 60 within a groove in its outercircumference to prevent leakage of fluid between the sidewalls of saidtop wall member and the purifier element. The optional ring gasket 4disposed between the upper end wall of purifier element 51 and top wallmember 61 can be used with or instead of "O" ring 60. The gasket 62 ontop wall member 61 is kept in position by ring projection 63 of said topwall, and surrounds the concentric discharge passage 64 in said topwall. The gasket 62 also encircles the cartridge housing discharge port(not shown) when the cartridge as illustrated is subjected tocompression within its housing. Fluid enters the cartridge through thepermeable tubular filter 52 and flows into the hollow core 58 of saidfilter. The fluid then flows into the collector chamber 65 of the lowerinverted cup via the aperture 59 through washer 53, and enters thehollow core of the purifier element containing the purifying medium 55by means of the perforations in said lower inverted cup. Flow continuesthrough the hollow core of the purifier element 51 and enters collectorchamber 66 via the perforations in the upper cup whence it exitsthroughdischarge passage 64, and into the housing discharge passagewhich communicates with said passage 64.

FIG. 4 shows still another adaptation of the purifier element in whichthe wall of the purifier element 68 also functions as the cartridgehousing having manually removable top wall member 70 and bottom wallmember 73. The purifying medium 67 is confined within the hollow core ofthe purifier element between upper permeable porous filter 72 and theinverted perforated cup 69. The upper filter 72 which has a preferablebut not necessary sliding frictional fit within the upper end section ofthe purifier element rests against the internal shoulder within saidupper end section. The top wall member 70 rests against filter element72 so that fluid must flow through the permeable porous wall of saidfilter element to enter collector chamber 71 which communicates with theconcentric discharge passage 76 in the top wall member 70. The top wallmember has an "O" ring 77 retained within a groove in its outercircumference of the inserted section of said top wall, the "O" ringpreventing leakage of fluid between the sidewalls of said top wall andthe upper end section of the purifier element. The bottom wall member 73has a similar "O" ring 78 retained in a groove in its larger insertedcircumference to prevent passage of fluid between the sidewalls of saidinserted section and the lower end section of the purifier element. Theinserted section of the bottom wall member having the smaller diameterhas a series of radial passages 79 which communicate with the annularpassage 80 around said section, and with the concentric inlet passage 86in the bottom wall member. The skirt of inverted perforated cup 69 has aseries of optional slots 81 thereby adding flexibility to said skirt andfacilitates insertion or removal of said cup. The washer 82 bearingagainst the lower internal shoulder of the purifier element supports theupper end wall of inserted filter element 83 thereby preventing the flowof unfiltered fluid between said upper end wall and said washer. Thepermeable porous tubular filter element 83 has a preferably but notnecessarily sliding frictional fit within the internal lower end sectionof the purifier element. A series of vertical grooves 84 disposed in theouter circumference of filter element 83 communicate with the annularpassage 80. The end wall of the smaller diametrical inserted section ofthe bottom wall member 73 bears against the lower end wall of filterelement 83 thereby sealing the lower end of hollow core 85 of saidfilter. Each of the non inserted largest diametrical section of the topwall member 70 and bottom wall member 73 has a series of holes throughwhich pass tie rods 87 which are threaded at each end as shown, athreaded nut 88 and its associated washer 89 at the lower end of eachtie rod. Screwing down the threaded wing nuts 90 against theirassociated washers 91 at the upper end of tie rods 87 subject theinserted sections of top wall member 70 and the bottom wall member 73 tocompression within the purifier element. The concentric inlet passage 86of the botom wall member 73, and discharge passage 86 in the top wallmember 70 are preferably threaded to receive the necessary fittings.

With the cartridge assembled as shown fluid enters inlet passage 86 andflows through radial passages 79 and into vertical grooves 84 via theannular channel 80. The fluid then flows through the permeable porouswall of tubular filter 83 and enters the hollow core 85 of said filter.Fluid then flows into chamber 75 of the inverted cup 69 via the aperture74 in washer 82, and enters the core of purifier element 68 containingpurifying medium 67 by means of the perforations in the inverted cup 69.The fluid continues flowing through the core of the purifier element andthrough the permeable porous filter 72 to enter collector chamber 71,and then exits through the concentric discharge port 76 whichcommunicates with collector chamber 71.

It will be evident to one skilled in the art that washer 82 can beaffixed to the purifier element by adhesive or other suitable means.Also, the upper filter element 72 can be affixed to the purifier elementby adhesive or other means. In addition the upper end of filter 83 canbe similarly affixed to the washer 82, thereby forming a unitaryfilter-purifier element having a manually removable top wall.

FIG. 5 illustrates still another adaptation of the purifier element tofiltering means within its hollow cylinder. The purifier element 92 haspurifying medium 93 confined within its hollow core by means of lowerfilter element 94 and upper filter element 95, both filter elementshaving a preferable but not necessary sliding frictional fit with theinternal wall of said purifier element. The lower filter 94 restsagainst an optional support 96 having a plurality of spokes, saidsupport bearing against the internal shoulder within the lower endsection of the purifier element and having a plurality of ports 103. Theupper filter element 95 rests against the upper internal shoulder of thepurifier element. The optional support 97 has a plurality of spokes andrests against the upper end of filter 95. An "O" ring 98 retained in agroove within section of top wall member 99 prevents leakage of fluidbetween the sidewalls of the purifier element and said top wall member.The concentric discharge passage 100 in said top wall communicates withcollector chamber 101 located above the ports 102 of the upper support97. A ring gasket 104 disposed on top wall member 99 surrounds thedischarge passage 100 and is preferably held in position by means ofring projection 105 of said top wall. The manually joined and separableend closer 106 has a series of radial passages 107 which communicatewith chamber 108 within said closer. The inserted end wall of closer 106bears against filter 94 as shown. The closer can also be made with acollar which will bear against the lower end wall of purifier element92. The concentric recess 109 within the outer end wall of closer 106can be used to center the assembled cartridge in its housing. Thecartridge as shown is subjected to compression after it is inserted inthe cartridge housing.

In operaton fluid flows into collector chamber 108 by means of passages107 and continues to flow through permeable porous filter 94. The fluidthen enters the hollow core of purifier element 92 containing purifyingmedium 93 via the ports 103 of supporting member 96. Fluid continuesflowing through the core of purifying element 92 and through thepermeable porous filter 95 to enter collector chamber 101 via ports 102in supporting member 97. The fluid then enters discharge passage 100which communicates with the cartridge housing discharge passage. Thering gasket 104 which surrounds discharge passage 100 also surrounds thedischarge port of the cartridge housing, thereby preventing the flow ofunprocessed fluid from said housing. It will be obvious to one skilledin the art that the filter elements and their optional support memberscan be affixed to the purifier element by adhesive or other suitablemeans to form a unitary filter-purifier cartridge having a manuallyseparable top wall member. Also, perforated cups as shown in theprevious diagrams, or perforated disks can be substituted for the filterelements and the optional support members thereby permitting use of thepurifier element without filtering means. The perforated members can ifdesired be affixed to the purifier element by use of adhesive or othersuitable means to form a unitary purifier element having a removable topwall member.

FIG. 6 is transverse sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 1, andshows the rim 9, the tabs 10, the perforations 5 in the upper perforatedcup 8, and a section of the wall of purifier element 6.

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 1and shows the sinuous configurations in the outside perimeter of filterelement 12, the closure 13, the vertical passages 15 around the filterelement, and the lower end section wall of the purifier element 6 whichencircles the filter.

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 2.Shown is the series of passages 36 in adapter 35, the passages 36communicating with annular channel 47 by means of recesses 37. The upperend section wall of purifier element 24 encircles annular channel 47.

FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 2and shows the lower filter element 29 with its hollow core 50. Thepassages 32 disposed around filter element are encircled by an endsection wall of purifier element 24. Shown are projections 30 whichspace and retain the filter element 29 within the hollow core of thelower end section of purifier element 24. Also illustrated is a sectionof washer 31.

FIG. 10 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 10--10 of FIG. 4and shows the radial passages 79 within the inserted section of bottomend wall member 73. The annular channel 80 which communicates with thehollow core 86 by means of the radial passages is also shown, as are thetie rods 87.

FIG. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 11--11 of FIG. 5and shows the optional support 96 with its spokes, the purifier elementwall 92, and the ports 103 in said support member.

FIG. 12 illustrates another top wall member 110 within which is retainedthe perforated cup 111. The collector chamber 112 communicates directlywith concentric discharge passage 113. The ring gasket 114 on the topwall member is preferably held in position by means of ring projection115, said gasket surrounding discharge passage 113. The optional outerrim 116 of foraminous cup 111 limits the travel of said cup within therecess of the top wall member. The "O" ring 117 retained within a grooveof the top wall member prevents leakage of fluid between the sidewallsof the purifier element and the inserted section of said top wall. Theperforated cup 111 has a preferable sliding frictional fit within therecess of the top wall, and is preferably inserted into and separatedfrom said top wall by manual means.

It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that a permeable porousfilter can be substituted for the perforated cup 111, or can be usedwith said cup.

The present invention contemplates alternate embodiments which caninclude a pleated resin impregnated filter paper, or woven materialformed around a reticulated or perforated core for use as a filterelement.

While the embodiments of this invention hereinbefore illustrated anddescribed are fully capable of performing the objects and accomplishingthe advantages primarily stated, it will be understood that thisinvention is not restricted to the specific embodiments hereinbeforesaid forth, but includes all modifications coming within the scope ofthe claims that follow.

I claim:
 1. A filter-purifier cartridge for fluids, said cartridgecomprising: a hollow self contained purifier element which functions asthe cartridge housing, a tubular filter element disposed entirely withinsaid purifier element and below purifying medium contained between twoforaminous members, a washer contiguous to that end wall of said filterelement facing the purifying medium; said purifier element beingmanually joined to, and separable from, a bottom wall member and a topwall member having an inlet and a discharge passage respectively, andmeans to retain said wall members in position; friction seals disposedbetween said members and said purifier element, said bottom wall memberalso functioning as a closer for the lower end of said tubular filterelement.
 2. The invention defined in claim 1 in which said means forretaining both top and bottom wall members are tie rods having threadedend sections for receiving nuts, each tie rod extending through itsassociated hole in each of said wall members.
 3. The invention definedin claim 1 in which the inlet passage within said bottom wall member isa blind hole which communicates with the interior of said purifierelement by means of a plurality of radial passages in said member; thefluid entering an annular passage intermediate a side wall section ofsaid bottom wall member and the side wall of the purifier elementhousing.
 4. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein the side wall ofthe inserted tubular filter can be maintained in spaced relationshipwith the side wall of the purifier element.